Environmental Resource Management B.S.

Program Description

Environmental Resource Management is an interdisciplinary major administered by the Dean of the School of Business and Public Administration. The major is a program of study that includes coursework in the following areas: (1) physical and life sciences relating to natural resource use; (2) the legal aspects of resource ownership and use; and (3) the economic and political aspects of resource allocation and environmental protection. The program also includes basic skills courses in areas such as communications, computers, statistics, and management.

The ERM major is of sufficient breadth to prepare graduates for entry into a wide range of careers relating to the use, management, and protection of environmental assets. These careers are in areas such as resource analysis and planning, occupational safety, environmental health, compliance, technical and environmental staff support, permitting, and real estate development. Graduates typically find employment in both the private and public sectors. Public agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the United States Forest Service (USFS) typically hire individuals with skills provided within the program.

The program also requires a concentration (typically four courses), which further enhances the student experience. The concentration also gives students an opportunity to specialize in select areas. Concentrations can include Forestry, Environmental Health, Land Use Policy and Planning and Occupational Safety and Health. Distant students can complete the Bachelor’s Degree on-line from anywhere in the United States through the Internet. In furtherance of the university mission, the ERM program has community partnerships, through which the program is able to offer courses and internships in the area of Occupational Safety and Health, and Environmental Health. The ERM experience is rounded out via students engaging in such internships.